Context:
A rare snake, the Ahaetulla Longirostris (long-snouted vine snake), was rediscovered in Uttar Pradesh’s Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, marking the first-ever live sighting of the species in India.
- The species is so scarce that its presence in Uttar Pradesh had never been documented before.
- Previously, it was sighted and documented in Bihar in India.
About Dudhwa Tiger Reserve
- It is close to the Indo-Nepal border in the Palia and Nighasan tehsil of the district Lakhimpur-Kheri, UP.
- The area of the park is a vast alluvial plain and is the doab of the Mohana and Suheli rivers.
- The underlying soil consists of alluvial formation of the Gangetic plains.
- The area is scoured with channels of numerous large and small watercourses.
- There are many rivers and rivulets in the habitat, including Suheli, Mohana, Joraha, Nagrol, Nakua and Newra, besides Sharda and Ull.
- Flora: The flora in the area is mainly dominated by Sal forests, along with associated species like Terminalia alata (Asna), Lagerstroemia parviflora (Asidha), Adina cordifolia (Haldu), and others.
- Founa: The major mammals include: Panthera pardus (Guldar), Panthera tigris (Tiger), Felis viverrina (Fishing cat), Macaca mulatta (Monkey), Presbytis entellus (Langur), Herpestes edwardsi (Mongoose) etc.
- Reptiles include Mugger, Ghariyal, Python, Sandboa, Banded krait, Russel’s viper, Rat snake, monitor lizard and King Cobra.